Design and Performance Analysis of a Grid-Connected Solar Power System for Energy Efficient AR Building

Abstract

In 2020, nearly all Saudi Arabia’s electricity generation was fueled by natural gas (61%) and crude oil (39%). As part of Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030, the Saudi government plans to diversify fuels to increase crude oil exports and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In Saudi Arabia, the solar irradiance averages 5.2 kWh/m2/day, photovoltaic (PV) technology is being embraced to achieve green growth and increase power generation. As a result of the technology’s proximity to the point of consumption, it ensures a continuous supply of energy while reducing the country’s transmission and distribution losses. A key parameter affecting the performance of PV panels in a photovoltaic system is the solar radiation incident on the panel. The tilt and azimuth angles of PV modules are two important factors in designing the PV system for the best performance. This study starts by utilizing Excel software to calculate the azimuth angle for the best adjustment of solar modules. Then, PVSyst software is used to design and simulate a grid-connected PV system for the Admission and Registration Building (AR) at Effat University in Jeddah. The study compares the solar system’s performance for mono-crystalline, poly-crystalline, and thin-film photovoltaic modules. The simulation results showed the effectiveness of the design in terms of the produced energy, meeting the estimated needs of the AR building, the save CO2, and the annual savings using Saudi Arabia’s current electricity tariffs.